DEREK McINNES insists Morton’s weekend mauling of Queen of the South was a League Cup early warning bell for Aberdeen.

The Dons boss reckons the Greenock side’s 5-0 goal flood at Palmerston illustrates the threat coming their way in Saturday’s Betfred Cup semi-final at the national stadium.

Morton’s impressive recent form hasn’t come as a surprise to McInnes but he admits it could be a reality check for anyone expecting a walk-over at Hampden.

He said: “In a way I’m glad they won so convincingly ahead of playing us in the cup.

“It’s maybe a warning to people out with the club that we are in for a tough time at Hampden.

“There was never any danger of us treating Morton lightly in any way.

Greenock Morton players celebrate their third goal

“The supporters will expect us to win and we are seen as favourites.

“But Morton have got to the semi-finals too because they are a very good team. They underlined that with their victory at the weekend.”

McInnes had a report of the Cappielow side complied during their hammering of Queens and it came with a quality mark which he says will provide a thorough assessment of their threats going into a game.

He said: “We will analyse that match and it’s always good to see your next opponents at their best.

“There will be plenty of things we can make the players aware of in the hope that it will help them to win the match.”

Stockley celebrates making it 4-0

The Aberdeen gaffer also had a word of praise for striker Jayden Stockley who will come into the reckoning this weekend after climbing off the bench to grab a goal in Aberdeen’s 4-0 win over Ross County.

He said: “For the last month his training has been top notch.

“When some of the players were given time off during the international break, Jayden was in training with the Under-20 side. I’m delighted he got his reward by coming off the bench and making an impact.”